Abstract: An electrothermal atomization furnace for atomizing samples for analysis by atomic absorption spectoscopy comprising a tubular furnace body (36) which is provided on both sides with longitudinal contact ribs (38, 40) and cylindrical contact pieces (18, 20) integral with these contact ribs. In one embodiment, bores (49, 50, 52, 54) are provided in the contact ribs (38, 40) parallel to the furnace body (36) in order to reduce the cross-section for the current supply along the center area of the furnace body (36). These bores are intersected by transverse bores (56, 58, 60 and 62, 64, 66, respectively) and communicate with inert gas passages (68, 70) so that the bores contribute to reduce the cross-section as well as to distribute the inert gas. In another embodiment, grooves are provided in the planar surfaces instead of the bores. An equal temperature distribution along the furnace body (36) is achieved.